Free physical therapy provided to disabled at home in HCMC

Presently, medical workers in Ho Chi Minh City are providing free physical therapy to people with disabilities at home helping many recover.

A doctor is examining patients to verify their disabilities before taking the free course of physical therapy (Photo: SGGP)

Paralyzed left side of his body because of Cerebrovascular accident, a 75 year old Nguyen Binh Thanh in district 4 needed assistance to sit up.

Three months ago, medical workers of the HCMC Hospital for Rehabilitation - Professional Diseases provided physical therapy at his house.

Three medical workers took turns to help him during rehabilitation after he was diagnosed to suffer physical impairment, Thanh said. His condition was improved much later. He is able to feel where is itchy and numb, and his stretching activities are better.

More importantly, medical workers who encouraged him to walk gradually gave him the belief that he can recover.

He feels grateful to medical workers who have assisted and encouraged him.

Similarly, the condition of 57-year-old Nguyen Thi Thuy in district 6 improves much after three month practice of physical therapy provided gratis by the hospital’s medical workers.

After she suffered stroke, she had to pay VND 200,000 a day for physical therapy service. In early October 2018, she was informed the program of free physical therapy, she registered it soon.

She is delighted as she can walk now after a few months taking course of physiotherapy. However, physical therapists are making efforts to regain balance step by step. She now can brush her teeth, bathe and do some chores, Mrs. Thuy said.

One of physical therapist of the medical clinic in district 6 Tran Thi Anh hong said that therapists will aid patients with complicated move whereas patients will exercise easier move at home by themselves to soon recover.

Twelve out of 14 communes in District 6 have physical therapists who will arrive at eight patients’ houses to guide them during rehabilitation.

Deputy Head of the medical clinic Nguyen Thi My Tien said that it is a beneficial program for patients who suffering complications after stroke. Members of a family must not take turn to take care of their sick relative; instead, therapists will examine and help patients for sharing the burden of patients and their relatives.

The program was piloted in districts 4, 6, 8 and Tan Phu at first. 351 people with disabilities in these districts were receiving physical therapy.

Head of the rehabilitation ward of the Hospital for Rehabilitation - Professional Diseases Dr. Dinh Quang Thanh announced from 2019, residents in districts 1, 3, 5, 10, 11, Tan Binh and Binh Tan will gain benefit from the program.